This contraption, credit: my inventive husband. The contraption is two milk jugs set up outside pocket doors, straws taped to the inside of the doors and beer cans sitting on top - so that when the doors open they knock the cans off and make a loud noise - you dig? This little no-cost invention saved our nights on vacation. Let me explain. You know that milestone when babies grow out of their beds, climb out of them, and then you have to get them a big boy/big girl bed? Well,

I recently read an article that talked about a book called "The Danish Way" in which it describes how the Danes approach the toddler years differently. Apparently, the Danes don't use the phrase "the terrible twos". Instead, they call it The Boundary Stage. While I applaud the Danes for being so politically correct in their use of descriptive words, and I do admit that "The Boundary Stage" is a much nicer sounding and more productive way to describe the HELL that is the te

Recently, my hubby and I decided to do something super fun (and a bit crazy). We love to travel, with and without kids, and so we decided to take the month of November, rent a house in Southern California, and hang out with our two boys, almost 2 and almost 4. The plan? No plan, really. Just go and focus inward, on the four of us. We have a super busy life at home and the opportunity arose, so we took it. Let me tell you though, there's one thing we know better than anything,

My heart goes out to all of the new mamas in today’s world. Thanks to technology, there is just so much information readily available to expectant and new mothers and it all feels like it’s just too much. On one hand, the power of technology is great because we can all be more aware and more educated and are better able to self-advocate, but on the other hand, it can become an information overload. Everywhere you look you are bombarded with “how to”s and “what not to do’s”

Ugh, today is one of those days where I feel as unworthy as a mom could. It actually took a while to come to that place…anger, frustration and perspiration came first. This morning was like the twelve steps for me. First step ­ ‘come on buddy, let’s change our diaper and get dressed’, ‘step 2…ok now, please sit down’ step 3…negotiating ­ ‘ok, do you want to stand up while we put on your diaper, or lay down?’ ….why did I ever start with a question…don’t I know the answer is al

What I learned is that it’s not something you should do….at any point, no matter what weird masochistic inclination might be nagging at you to check your shit out, I beg of you…don’t do it. It will haunt your dreams. There are a few universal truths in life…paying your taxes blows, you will watch The Shawshank Redemption every time it’s on tv, and never ever touch your vag within 1 week after giving birth…possibly 2 if you’d like to avoid a panic attack that a small pudgy w

When Alex and I got married, we had a small city hall ceremony followed by a cocktail reception at a local restaurant- nothing fancy really. I ended up make my own bouquet however- out of brooches and jewelry. It was gorgeous and unique and added a special touch to a day where there were not a lot of those signature wedding type things (decor, flowers, table settings- you know what I mean). Not long after we got married, I started up a small side gig making these bouquets for

The hubby asked me last week: “what do you want for Christmas?” knowing that I would have no idea what to answer. I’m known by my close friends as notoriously against “stuff” (need to de-clutter your home? Call me, I’m your gal), and I always buy for my family, rarely for myself. So I really had to think about it. And in the end, he already has an idea of a gift, and will do just fine. But if I’m being real with myself, and going into 2017 that is a HUGE priority for me, my r

“I see pride, I see power, I see a bad ass mother who don’t take no crap off of no one” – Cool Runnings, aka one of the best 90’s movies (about an Olympic Bobsled team) of all time. I’ve often remarked, as has every person who’s spent any amount of time with both of my children, how completely opposite they are. They look alike, yes, but in terms of personality and disposition – it couldn’t be more opposite. Daughter is mellow, easy going and gentle, son No.2 is a fucking jac

Last week over the Christmas holidays, my mother-in-law came up to stay with us and help out by watching all four of our kids because school and daycare were still out and hubby and I were back to work. I know many of you reading this will be imagining how terrible it would be to have your monster-in, ahem, I mean mother-in-law stay with you for a whole week. Let me tell you…..it was absolute HEAVEN. I don’t know how I got so lucky to have this woman in my life. She is am